Imps v Walsall in FA cup Replay this Tuesday

This Tuesday sees the Replay of the FA cup first round tie between Lincoln City and Walsall. This match ended up as a 1-1 draw in the initial tie between the sides. This draw was harsh on the Imps who dominated the match and but for a late soft goal conceded would have already booked their name in the second round of the cup.

Walsall have severely struggled of late and their form has plummeted. They have not won a match since the 29th September when they beat Bournemouth away 2-1. Since this match the side has gone on to pick up just 2 points from their last eight league matches and have dropped to 17th place in the league and are now just three points above the relegation zone. Walsall fans have understandably lost a bit of hope over this match and it could well be a sub 2000 attendance at Bank's Stadium unless a sizeable amount of Imps make the trip this Tuesday night.

Walsall will be fairly depleted for this match with several absentees from their squad Will Grigg, Sam Mantom, Florent Cuvelier, Andy Taylor and Ben Purkiss will all be missing, Grigg is on international duty with Northern Ireland. Sam Mantom is cup tied as he was signed after the initial tie with the Imps and the remaining three players are all out with various injuries.

The Imps on the other hand are now full of confidence after the 2-1 victory away to Barrow on Saturday ensured the Imps have now gone eight matches unbeaten in all competitions. The contrast in form between the two sides couldn't be much greater. Regardless of which leagues the sides are in form and morale play a big part in how a side will perform.

I fully expect David Holdsworth to name the same starting eleven as he has in the previous few matches now. There is absolutely no need to change a winning side and with no injuries or suspension I expect this to be no different. With it being a cup game there will be seven subs available on the bench so this could give our side more options and flexibility from the bench should we need it.

This is a big game for the Imps financially; a home tie against either Mansfield or Slough awaits the winners and then the potential of a massive third round game if we should win that match. The form of the two sides makes me think we will win this match 2-0. I hope we do the side is playing some brilliant football and the spirit of the players and the fans hasn't been so high in a few season now.

Comments

Good news all those absentees as Cuvelier, Taylor, Purkiss and Grigg have played a lot of games between them this season and are very much first-teamers. And Mantom started their last match as well. All looks good for us.